Car shopping is something that some people look forward to with great anticipation, but that others tend to dread. But, by acquiring a bit of advance knowledge before you begin, the process can actually be enjoyable. Keep reading for some terrific advice about making the entire experience a positive, exciting and successful one.
Before you leave to buy a car, you have to know certain things about what you need. How much money can you afford to spend? How many people are you going to transport? What gas mileage are you looking for? Do you want two or more doors? List all your wants, and take it with you so that you never forget them.
When shopping for a new vehicle, consider all of your options. There are many used cars that have extremely low miles and rock bottom prices. The ones to look for are the ones that have been leased and returned. These cars have been serviced at the dealership and usually have plenty of factory warranty protection left.
Know what kind of vehicle you are considering ahead of time. Check online to determine which kind of vehicle is most suitable for you and your finances. You will also be able to find a car you can afford and not be swayed by a salesman.
If you are considering buying a vehicle from a private seller, you should first ask your mechanic to go over it. When the seller says no, move on. They might be hiding expensive problems that greatly reduce the car’s value. It can be dangerous to buy such cars without doing your homework.
Don’t expect to be in and out of the dealership. The only way to come to a decision that you are comfortable with is to take your time. Therefore, you should set aside a full afternoon to do your car shopping. If something comes up that you need to attend to, don’t hesitate to leave and return later.
Before buying a car, consider the cost of insurance. If you are financing the car, you will probably need comprehensive coverage, in addition to liability protection. Some cars cost significantly more to insure than others. Avoid any surprises by asking your insurance company for a quote before you sign any paperwork.
Make sure to take your time. Even if you are really excited about buying a car, don’t run out and buy it on the same day. Make sure that you have taken the time to do research on safety, repairs and other factors before doing something you might end up regretting.
Once you know how much you have to spend, find out about the cars within that range. Learn about the car itself, its miles per gallon, number of doors, trunk space, driver’s reviews, safety record and how frequently it needs repairs on average. Assign each a rating and go for those at the top of the list.
If you are thinking about buying a car that is still under warranty. You need to make sure that whatever is left of the vehicle warranty is in writing. You don’t want to purchase a car only to find out that the warranty has been void, leaving you paying extra for nothing.
Speak with the dealer to make sure your car is available. If you go without calling, the salesperson may try to sell you a car that you don’t want. If the dealer does not have a car that meets your needs, your trip will be a waste. Just pick up the phone.
Don’t tie yourself into one make or model, but also avoid opening yourself to every single car. You should go into a dealership with a goal-orientated flexibility. This means that you need to research two or three cars beforehand and then be willing to switch between these based on the best negotiation.
Never give your trade-in’s keys to the dealer before you’ve come to an agreement. The dealer could take your keys (and thus, your car) hostage and manipulate you into an unfair deal. Always hold on to your keys and if the dealer wants to take a look inside the car, open it up for them while you hold the keys.
Never buy a car without test driving it first. That even includes brand new cars and trucks. Not only do you want to make sure the car is mechanically sound, you also want to see how the car fits you. Decide if the car “feels” right. Some cars are not designed for taller people, for instance.
If your salesperson leaves to give your offer to his or her manager, you should realize that they will not bring back the lowest possible price just yet. Make another offer, and the next offer on their part is generally going to be a better one. If they are eager to sell, this is likely to be as low as they will go.
Ensure you are aware of rebates in advance. Lots of car dealerships provide a rebate on their site in order to convince you to make a fast sale. If the dealership is not very ethical, they won’t let you know about any available rebates and will instead keep the money for themselves.
Make a list of the cars that interest you. Once you know what kind of cars you like, you can begin narrowing the list down by price, features and reliability. It will make it easier for you to find the car that will suite your needs at a price that you can afford to pay.
One of the most helpful tips when buying a car is to avoid buying on emotion. If you come across a car you fall in love with, take the time to do your research and look for different availability options to get you the best value. You should already have an idea of what to pay before entering the dealership.
It is hard to deny the fact that shopping for a new vehicle is something that can be a little bit scary. Before spending a great deal of money on a car, it makes sense to do some preliminary research ahead of time. By keeping the advice above in the forefront of your mind, you can enter the dealership feeling fully prepared for the experience.